NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.
OSHA News Release -
Chicago
Region
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 5 News Release: 07-431-CHI
March 23, 2007
Contact: Brad Mitchell
Phone: (312)353-6976
DOVER, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $157,200 in fines against Inca Presswood Pallets Ltd of Dover, following the death of an employee in September 2006, for alleged multiple willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.
OSHA opened an investigation after receiving notification that an employee was crushed while servicing a hydraulic press that had been disabled but not protected against accidental energizing by locking out potentially hazardous energy sources. OSHA issued four willful citations with proposed penalties totaling $126,000, alleging that the company failed to control potentially hazardous energy during machine repair or maintenance, adequately train employees on energy control procedures, and establish an energy control procedure.
"Taking certain safety steps with regard to hazardous energy sources, in circumstances such as this one, can make all the difference in preventing fatalities and serious injuries," said Deborah Zubaty, director of OSHA's area office in Columbus, Ohio. "It should not have been difficult to recognize the hazard and prevent this occurrence."
OSHA also issued 15 serious citations with proposed penalties totaling $31,200, alleging deficiencies in fall protection and confined space entry programs, inadequate machine guarding and personal identification of lockout devices, and incorrect electrical wiring.
OSHA has conducted inspections at Inca's Dover and Sardis, Miss., plants 11 times since 1986, including a 2002 fatality inspection in Sardis where citations were issued for failure to comply with lockout/tagout procedures. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the current citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.
March 23, 2007
Contact: Brad Mitchell
Phone: (312)353-6976
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Dover, Ohio, pallet manufacturer for safety violations
Federal action proposes $157,200 in penalties following September 2006 fatality
Federal action proposes $157,200 in penalties following September 2006 fatality
DOVER, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $157,200 in fines against Inca Presswood Pallets Ltd of Dover, following the death of an employee in September 2006, for alleged multiple willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.
OSHA opened an investigation after receiving notification that an employee was crushed while servicing a hydraulic press that had been disabled but not protected against accidental energizing by locking out potentially hazardous energy sources. OSHA issued four willful citations with proposed penalties totaling $126,000, alleging that the company failed to control potentially hazardous energy during machine repair or maintenance, adequately train employees on energy control procedures, and establish an energy control procedure.
"Taking certain safety steps with regard to hazardous energy sources, in circumstances such as this one, can make all the difference in preventing fatalities and serious injuries," said Deborah Zubaty, director of OSHA's area office in Columbus, Ohio. "It should not have been difficult to recognize the hazard and prevent this occurrence."
OSHA also issued 15 serious citations with proposed penalties totaling $31,200, alleging deficiencies in fall protection and confined space entry programs, inadequate machine guarding and personal identification of lockout devices, and incorrect electrical wiring.
OSHA has conducted inspections at Inca's Dover and Sardis, Miss., plants 11 times since 1986, including a 2002 fatality inspection in Sardis where citations were issued for failure to comply with lockout/tagout procedures. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the current citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
###
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.